Isaiah 46: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 46 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Bel and Nebo, the idols, bow down and are burdensome. Their worshipers are taken into captivity (vv. 1-2). Yahweh speaks to the house of Jacob and the remnant of Israel, promising to carry them from their birth through old age (vv. 3-4). He challenges the people to compare Him with any other, asserting that idols made by humans cannot deliver (vv. 5-7). Yahweh commands the people to remember His sovereignty and the truth that He is the only God (vv. 8-10). He declares His authority by calling forth a ravenous bird from the east, stating that what He plans will happen (vv. 11-12). Finally, He promises that His righteousness and salvation are near and will be granted to Zion and Israel (v. 13).

Key verse

“Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.”
Isaiah 46:4 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 46:1–2 Idols' Burden and Captivity
Isaiah 46:3–4 God's Sustaining Promise
Isaiah 46:5–7 The Futility of Idolatry
Isaiah 46:8–10 God's Unique Sovereignty
Isaiah 46:11–12 Divine Authority Declared
Isaiah 46:13 Righteousness and Salvation Promised

Discussion questions

In v1, what are the actions of Bel and Nebo described as they are carried away?
What does God say in v4 about how He will support His people throughout their lives?
In v9, when God says 'there is none like me', what is the implication for idols?
In v11, who does God refer to as 'the man of my counsel' and what does this suggest about His plans?
When have you felt burdened like the idols in v1, unable to help yourself?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 46: Jeremiah 29, Isaiah 44, Jeremiah 10.

Before next time: read Isaiah 47.